Russia reiterated support for Sri Lanka in BRICS, an intergovernmental organization comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Hon. Vijitha Herath met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of ministerial events under the auspices of ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur.
During the conversation, the parties discussed pressing issues on Lankan–Russian relations and collaboration on international platforms.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov expressed his gratitude for Sri Lanka’s communication sent in October of last year, which articulated Sri Lanka’s interest in closer alignment with BRICS. Russia welcomes this step and stands ready to support a consensus on the matter unequivocally.
Further, Minister Lavrov noted that Sri Lanka has long been a trusted partner of Russia in South Asia. He acknowledged the deep and positive historical trajectory of bilateral relations and expressed a commitment to advance the relationship further as a model for future collaboration.
Minister Vijitha Herath thanked the Russian Federation for its longstanding friendship and consistent support for Sri Lanka, especially during critical times of need. He appreciated Russia’s historical ties with Sri Lanka and affirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors.
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir plans to visit Sri Lanka and Indonesia later this month, according to media reports.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is likely to visit Colombo on July 21.
Reports added that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will also visit Indonesia after the Sri Lanka visit.
During the two visits, matters of bilateral interest would be discussed, according to the media reports.
Talking to The News, Indonesia’s Charge d’affaires in Pakistan Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma talked about lack of frequent high echelon contacts between Pakistan and his country. The visit would, therefore, boost bilateral ties.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday met with his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and the two sides vowed to deepen their strategic cooperative partnership and enhance practical cooperation.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to push the development of the strategic cooperative partnership featuring mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship between the two countries.
He called on both sides to deepen high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, jointly implement the two flagship projects – the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port, speed up the negotiations on a China-Sri Lanka free trade agreement, and create new growth points for cooperation in fields such as green energy, digital economy, modern agriculture and marine economy.
China-Sri Lanka maritime cooperation is mutually beneficial, Wang said, adding that it does not target any third party and should not be interfered with by any third party.
The Chinese foreign minister said the so-called “Indo-Pacific Strategy” provokes camp confrontation and coerces all parties to take sides, which is not in line with the trend of the times and will not be supported by regional countries.
Herath said Sri Lanka attaches great importance to its relations with China, and firmly adheres to the one-China principle.
Noting that bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to the Sri Lankan people and promoted the development and connectivity of the region, Herath said Sri Lanka will enhance practical cooperation with China in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure and ocean, and further deepen the two countries’ strategic cooperative partnership.
The White House has announced the nomination of Eric Meyer, a career diplomat from California, as the next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
U.S. President Donald Trump has formally submitted Meyer’s name to the United States Senate for confirmation.
Eric Meyer, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, is the Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
He is responsible for overseeing the bureau and coordinating the Administration’s policy priorities throughout South and Central Asia, including in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Meyer’s most recent assignments include serving as Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, at the U.S. Mission to Norway, and as Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia—one of NATO’s newest member states.
He previously served as U.S. Consul General in Almaty, Kazakhstan, leading interagency operations and representing U.S. interests in southern Kazakhstan at the only U.S. Consulate in Central Asia. In Washington, Eric served as Special Assistant and Senior Advisor in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs coordinating policy across all South and Central Asia countries.
Prior to that, he was Consul General in Phnom Penh, Cambodia where he frequently served as Acting Deputy Chief of Mission. Eric was previously Consul at the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki, Finland where he also served on the board of the Fulbright Commission. His first diplomatic overseas assignment was as Vice Consul in Buenos Aires, Argentina followed by an assignment as a Cultural Affairs Officer in Cairo, Egypt.
In Washington, Eric also served as an advisor in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environment and Scientific Affairs during the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council. Prior to joining the U.S. Department of State, Eric worked in corporate sales and government relations in the airline industry.
He graduated from the University of California Berkeley with a degree in Political Science and has an MBA from Georgetown University. He is the recipient of several State Department Superior and Meritorious Honor awards and speaks Danish, French, Khmer, Russian and Spanish.
In the conduct of negotiations for the reduction of reciprocal tariffs, the U.S. authorities have proposed some restrictive measures on trading with China, but Sri Lanka has declined to do so in principle in conformity with its neutral foreign policy, the Daily Mirror learns.
Sri Lanka is among the countries that secured one of the largest reductions of President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. President Trump fired off a letter to his Sri Lankan counterpart, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, announcing that Sri Lankan products entering the U.S. market would be charged a 30 per cent tariff, a reduction from 44 per cent initially announced.
Sri Lanka currently remains happy since the tariff rate is lower than most other countries, such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos which it competes in trading with the U.S. However, Sri Lanka is perturbed over the imposition of lower tariffs on countries such as Vietnam, which is a direct competitor to Sri Lanka in apparel exports.
In the letter addressed to President Dissanayake, Trump highlighted the longstanding trade imbalance between the United States and Sri Lanka, claiming the relationship has been “far from reciprocal” due to Sri Lanka’s tariffs, non-tariff policies, and trade barriers. He insisted that the new tariff was necessary to address what he described as persistent trade deficits, which he labelled a threat to U.S. economic interests and national security.
“Starting on August 1, 2025, we will charge Sri Lanka a tariff of only 30 per cent on any and all Sri Lankan products sent into the United States, separate from all sectoral tariffs,” the letter stated, adding that any attempts to bypass the tariff through transshipment would be met with higher penalties.
Trump further offered an incentive, saying Sri Lanka could avoid these tariffs if Sri Lankan businesses chose to manufacture products within the United States, promising expedited approvals for such ventures.
He also warned that should Sri Lanka retaliate by raising its own tariffs, the U.S. would increase the 30 per cent levy by an equivalent amount.
However, the Sri Lankan government has chosen a conciliatory approach, seeking to negotiate further with the U.S. authorities for further reduction of tariff rates.
According to a source familiar with negotiations, the U.S. has proposed some restrictive measures on trading with China, but Sri Lanka resisted it since it needs fair trading with all its partners. The source declined to elaborate more on what was discussed.
Tamil politicians and local residents intervened earlier this week to stop an unlawful attempt by Sri Lankan police officers to seize state land near the occupying Omanthai Police Station for the construction of a Buddhist vihara.
At approximately 12 PM on Tuesday, police personnel began clearing and fencing off a disputed plot of land along the A9 highway near the police station. The site, that the security forces claim to be state-owned but subject to competing claims of private ownership, had already been at the centre of controversy in recent weeks.
Concerns over the land were formally raised during a recent Divisional Secretariat Coordinating Committee meeting, where local representatives submitted objections and requested that the police halt all encroachment. In response, the Divisional Secretary issued a written directive prohibiting any development activity on the site.
A delegation of local leaders, including Vavuniya Urban Council Chairman S. Kandeepan, Vavuniya South Tamil Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman P. Balendran, Vavuniya North Pradeshiya Sabha Deputy Chairman S. Sanjuthan, Tamil National People’s Front (TNPF) District Organiser S. Thavapalan, TELO Youth Wing leader and former Provincial Council member S. Mayooran, and other urban and local council members, arrived at the location and demanded that the police cease operations and vacate the premises. The officers temporarily withdrew.
The delegation then proceeded to the occupying Omanthai Police Station for direct talks with the Officer-in-Charge, who denied any intention to construct a Buddhist vihara. He claimed the land had been under police control since 2009 and that the recent activity was simply to refurbish the area for “field-related purposes,” not for erecting any permanent structures.
Despite these assurances, fencing operations reportedly continued at the site even after the crowd dispersed. Local representatives expressed scepticism over the police’s explanation and reiterated their determination to resist any future attempts to seize or build on the land.
However, those present firmly stated that they would not permit the unlawful occupation of the land under any pretext and warned that continued attempts to seize the land would be met with ongoing protest.
The incident has heightened tensions in the Vavuniya region, where Tamils have repeatedly accused Sri Lankan state forces of using state land claims to facilitate demographic change and establish Buddhist religious structures in Tamil areas.
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence and scientific breakthroughs, humanity continues to search for answers to enduring questions of consciousness, purpose, and existence. Reflecting this intersection of science and spirituality, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is hosting a day-long international conference to commemorate the 90th birth anniversary of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
The conference, scheduled to take place on Sunday, 13 July at the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi, will bring together prominent Buddhist scholars, spiritual leaders, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. Many of these participants have closely interacted with His Holiness over the years. Senior hierarchs of both national and international Buddhist traditions will also be in attendance.
At the heart of the event is a shared commitment to exploring how Buddhist wisdom remains relevant in the 21st century. As science pushes the boundaries of the known universe, the spiritual insights of the Dalai Lama continue to offer a path toward ethical living, self-awareness, and inner transformation. His teachings emphasise that spirituality must be grounded in compassion, critical thinking, and empirical understanding. He advocates questioning dogma, embracing scientific inquiry, and integrating rational analysis with meditative insight. For the Dalai Lama, ignorance is the root of human suffering, and the antidote lies in deep reflection and awareness.
The conference will explore key themes such as the relevance of Buddha Dharma in contemporary life, the future of Tibetan Buddhism and the preservation of its culture, and the connection between Buddhist philosophy and modern science, particularly in the fields of quantum physics and neuroscience. These discussions aim to bridge traditional wisdom with cutting-edge research and promote mental well-being in a fast-paced world.
Among the key figures participating in the event is Most Venerable Prof. Samdhong Rinpoche, an eminent scholar and former Prime Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration. A lifelong advocate of nonviolence and Gandhian philosophy, he remains a close advisor to the Dalai Lama. Thai spiritual leader Most Venerable Phrarat VajarasuttiwongDhammalongkornvibhusit Arayawangso, a senior member of Thailand’s Supreme Sangha Council, will also be present, along with the 43rd Sakya Trizin Gyana Vajra Rinpoche of Uttarakhand, who has received teachings from many of the great Tibetan masters of this era.
Adding an academic dimension to the dialogue, Professor Ceon Ramon of the University of Washington will share insights on the intersection of neuroscience and Buddhism. With a background in quantum optics and cognition research, he is currently involved in EEG-based techniques for treating brain disorders. Khenpo Dr Ngawang Jorden, Principal of the International Buddhist Academy in Kathmandu and a Harvard-trained scholar, will also contribute to the discussions, as will Professor Sisir Roy, a theoretical physicist known for his work on brain function modelling and ancient Indian traditions.
Venerable Dr. Tashi Choedron, a civil engineer and award-winning environmental sociologist from Malaysia, brings an interfaith and ecological perspective to the event. The spiritual leadership of His Eminence Sharpa Choeje Rinpoche Jetsun Lobsang Dorjee Pelsangpo, the 105th Gaden Tripa and supreme head of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, further underscores the significance of this gathering.
The conference will serve not only as a tribute to the Dalai Lama’s life and teachings but also as a platform for dialogue between modern science and ancient wisdom. It reflects a growing global recognition that the path to human flourishing may lie in harmonising empirical knowledge with contemplative insight.
Sri Lanka stands to benefit significantly from the UK’s latest trade reforms, as the British government unveiled a series of upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) on 10 July.
The changes include simplified rules of origin, allowing more Sri Lankan goods — particularly garments — to enter the UK tariff-free, even when using components sourced from other countries in Asia and Africa, the British Department of Business and Trade said in a statement.
These reforms are expected to enhance Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the UK market, which is the second-largest export destination for Sri Lankan apparel.
The changes will support jobs, promote exports, and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the country.
Yohan Lawrence, Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF), Sri Lanka, said:
“We warmly welcome the UK’s Trade Strategy.
The new rules allowing greater regional sourcing for garments while retaining duty-free access to the UK are a game-changer.
With the UK as our second-largest apparel market, this will boost exports, support livelihoods, and help us compete more fairly with global competitors.
The updated rules are part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer which aims to support economic growth in partner countries while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.
And just last month, the UK’s Trade Strategy was published in further support of the Plan for Change to grow the economy, strengthen international ties, and deliver for households across the UK.”
Wider DCTS Reforms and Global Impact
British consumers and businesses are set to benefit from a package of new trade measures unveiled today (10 July), which will simplify imports from developing countries — helping to lower prices on everyday goods while supporting jobs and growth in some of the world’s poorest nations, the statement said.
The measures will give UK consumers greater access to competitively priced imports — from clothes to food and electronics — as upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK, helping to lower prices on the high street.
“Upgrades include simplified rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries like Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines to enter the UK tariff-free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa,” the statement said.
The changes also ensure that countries such as Bangladesh and Cambodia continue to enjoy zero tariffs on key products such as garments and electronics.
This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies, the statement added.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed “very grave concerns” regarding the recently uncovered mass grave at Chemmani, during a parliamentary exchange with MP Uma Kumaran this week, stating that he had “raised this with the Sri Lankan government directly”.
Speaking before the Foreign Affairs Committee, Kumaran praised the government’s recent decision to impose sanctions on Sri Lankan military officials accused of grave human rights violations, but highlighted the “horrific discovery” of a new mass grave in Chemmani as a painful reminder of Sri Lanka’s ongoing legacy of violence.
“It includes the remains of three babies,” she said. “It’s a fresh and painful reminder of how close to home these atrocities are.”
Kumaran, the first British MP of Eelam Tamil heritage, thanked the Foreign Secretary for his “personal commitment” to justice for the Tamil people and asked whether the UK government had raised the Chemmani mass grave with Sri Lankan authorities, noting that the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had warned that Sri Lanka lacked the resources to conduct exhumations in line with international standards.
Lammy confirmed that the UK had raised the matter with Colombo directly.
“Yes, we have raised this with the Sri Lankan government,” he said. “We did that last month.”
“We are also in close touch with families of those who disappeared from across the country. We’re working with NGOs and others to make sure their voices are heard.”
Lammy added that the UK would consider what “technical expertise” could be provided to support those working on the Chemmani mass grave.
“I’m happy to look into whether there is technical expertise we can bring to bear, supporting those looking at the mass grave issue, understanding that there are capacity issues.”
In a follow-up question, Kumaran asked whether the UK government would support the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ recommendation that perpetrators of atrocities be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“My understanding is that Sri Lanka is not an ICC state party,” responded Lammy. “So, the Court wouldn’t have jurisdiction to investigate any crimes that might be committed. That is the difficulty in what you recommend.”
The Chemmani mass grave, first brought to international attention in 1998, is currently being excavated again, with the remains of at least 47 individuals uncovered so far. Among them are women and children, alongside personal effects such as schoolbags and toys. Rights groups and Tamil civil society continue to call for international oversight and accountability.
The British foreign secretary has previously been forthright on the steps that needed to be taken to ensure accountability in Sri Lanka.
Previously, Lammy recognised Tamil struggles for justice and self-determination, stating that the occasion is “also of course a time for us to remember the sacrifices made by the Tamil people for self-determination, for peace, and for justice in Sri Lanka.”
In 2023, he urged the British government to act upon the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and refer Sri Lankan war criminals to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In 2022, Lammy explicitly called for the UK to refer Sri Lankan war criminals to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Speaking at an event, he said, “I marched for sanctions on apartheid South Africa… I am demanding sanctions be imposed on Sri Lankan war criminals.”
He added, “We believe in internationalism, multilateralism, and the rule of law. That means you must be held to account for atrocities committed against innocent, decent people. As a fellow member of a minority community, I pay tribute to the Tamils.”
Multiple DNA tests have failed to confirm the reported death of Pulasthini Mahendran, also known as Sarah Jasmin, one of the key figures linked to the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks, Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananda Wijepala told Parliament yesterday (9).
Delivering a statement during an adjournment debate on the Easter Sunday attacks, Minister Wijepala said: “A DNA report was requested on two occasions to confirm her death following reports that she died in a suicide bombing on 24 April 2019. On both occasions, the DNA did not match samples from her close relatives. A third DNA test, this time involving a sample from her mother, was conducted during the tenure of former Minister Sarath Weerasekara.”
He added that the way in which the samples were obtained has raised serious concerns, which are now under investigation. The CID is also looking into suspicions that she may have died in an acid attack, rather than a bombing.
The adjournment debate was moved by ITAK MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam, who reiterated the importance of transparency and accountability in the continuing probe into the deadly attack that killed 274 people and injured nearly 600.
Minister Wijepala also revealed that former State Minister Sivanesathurai Chandrakanthan, alias ‘Pillaiyan’, had prior knowledge about the 21 April 2019 bombings. “Investigative officers have uncovered evidence that Pillaiyan was aware of the attacks beforehand. He is currently detained in connection with the abduction of a university professor, the assassination of Police officers, and the illegal use of firearms,” he said. The Minister further noted that Pillaiyan had maintained contact with intelligence officers at the time, though he refrained from disclosing further details due to the ongoing nature of investigations.
Highlighting lapses by the State Intelligence Service (SIS), the Minister pointed to a specific warning from the Taj Samudra Hotel, which was ignored. “Despite the hotel notifying SIS at 4:52 p.m. on 20 April 2019 about one of the suicide bombers, Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel, no action was taken. Jameel later detonated a bomb at the Tropical Inn in Dehiwala,” he said.
Minister Wijepala clarified a recent statement made by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which had been misinterpreted in public discourse. “The President never said that the investigations were abandoned. He stated that the State is being scrutinised by the State itself in this process,” the Minister said.
Outlining the broader scope of the investigation, he said 748 suspects had been arrested, and 42 cases filed following the attacks. A Presidential Commission of Inquiry (PCoI) produced a report exceeding 67,000 pages, which has not yet been made public but is available to be tabled in Parliament if required.
According to the Minister, the probe was stalled under the previous administration but has since resumed under President Dissanayake’s leadership. “We have reinstated officers and launched a new inquiry committee. The Attorney General has also instructed a new investigation based on revelations made by Hanzeer Azad Maulana.”
He also assured Parliament that all those involved—including those suspected of directing Zahran Hashim, the ringleader—will be brought to justice. “We will not allow any form of terrorism or racism under any circumstances. New laws are being introduced and enforced to act against those who break the law.”
Wijepala criticised individuals linked to the previous government for making public statements while avoiding accountability. “Some individuals who were close to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa are now making various statements without clarifying where they were at the time. We have committed to the President that this investigation will proceed in a proper and orderly manner.”
He concluded by reaffirming that the Police, the Attorney General’s Department, and the CID are jointly pursuing all leads, and the government remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims of one of Sri Lanka’s deadliest terrorist attacks.
